The Postclassical Period, c. 600 CE to c. 1450: 3.5: Trans-Saharan Trade and the Spread of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa (Sources 1–8)

The trans-Saharan trade is also interesting because in a real geographic sense it seems almost counterproductive, given that the trading routes cross some of the most hostile territory on earth. (Source 3)

There is a sharp drop both in altitude and in life-supporting conditions from the Atlas [Mountains] into the Sahara desert itself, which is one of the most arid and least hospitable climates on Earth. (Source 3)

There is a sharp drop both in altitude and in life-supporting conditions from the Atlas [Mountains] into the Sahara desert itself, which is one of the most arid and least hospitable climates on Earth. (Source 3)

While trans-Saharan travel is evidenced [in pre-Roman and early Roman times], it does not appear that such travel occurred on a regular basis, nor resulted in the mass influx of gold into the Mediterranean regions. (Source 3)

Trans-Saharan trade did not become feasible until the introduction of the camel as a pack animal. (Source 3)

Camels, which originated in North America (but became extinct there in prehistory), were first domesticated in the Middle East around 3,000 BCE and were used as pack animals. (Source 3)

Accordingly, it is around this time that we can begin to see the introduction of gold into the North African markets as a more readily available commodity. (Source 3)

Accordingly, it is around this time that we can begin to see the introduction of gold into the North African markets as a more readily available commodity. (Source 3)

Salt is intrinsically important to human survival—it is impossible for human beings to survive without it. (Source 3)

In hot climates, humans and livestock both need more salt because they must replace what is lost in sweating. (Source 3)

In the center of the city is a temple built of stone and mortar and a large palace where the king lives. (Source 4)

I happened to be in this city at a time when a load of salt sold for eighty gold ducats. (Source 4)

One of the best things in these parts [the Mali Empire] is, the regard they pay to justice; for, in this respect, the Sultan regards [it] neither little nor much. (Source 5)

Another of their good properties is, that when a merchant happens to die among them, they will make no effort to get possession of his property: but will allow the lawful successors to it to take it. (Source 5)

Another is, their constant custom of attending prayers with the congregation; for unless one makes haste, he will find no place left to say his prayers in. (Source 5)

In the eleventh century, the Almoravid intervention, led by a group of Berber nomads who were strict observers of Islamic law, gave the conversion process a new momentum in the Ghana empire and beyond. (Source 7)

The spread of Islam throughout the African continent was neither simultaneous nor uniform, but followed a gradual and adaptive path. (Source 7)

The spread of Islam throughout the African continent was neither simultaneous nor uniform, but followed a gradual and adaptive path. (Source 7)

The spread of Islam throughout the African continent was neither simultaneous nor uniform, but followed a gradual and adaptive path. (Source 7)

However, the only written documents at our disposal for the period under consideration derive from Arab sources (see, for instance, accounts by geographers al-Bakri and Ibn Battuta). (Source 7)

Islamic political and aesthetic influences on African societies remain difficult to assess. (Source 7)

Islamic political and aesthetic influences on African societies remain difficult to assess. (Source 7)

The city of Timbuktu, for instance, flourished as a commercial and intellectual center, seemingly undisturbed by various upheavals. (Source 7)

The city of Timbuktu, for instance, flourished as a commercial and intellectual center, seemingly undisturbed by various upheavals. (Source 7)

The city of Timbuktu, for instance, flourished as a commercial and intellectual center, seemingly undisturbed by various upheavals. (Source 7)